Russian-linked hackers have escalated their disinformation campaign by compromising hundreds of accounts on the social media platform Bluesky. These hijacked accounts have been used to post fabricated news reports aimed at eroding public support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict. Researchers from Clemson University and internet monitors have linked these activities to the Moscow-based Social Design Agency.
The operation marks a sophisticated evolution in Russian influence tactics, moving beyond solely fake accounts to co-opt influential users like journalists and academics. This strategy leverages existing credibility to spread propaganda. Bluesky is actively working to detect and remove these posts, acknowledging the challenge posed by coordinated inauthentic campaigns, which they describe as an industry-wide issue.
